News Wrap Up

5 things you need to know from the past week, plus 1 you don’t.

Jan. 26, 2020 – Former NBA Lakers player Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, died with seven others in a helicopter crash. They were headed to Camarillo Airport when the helicopter crashed into a hillside as a result of low visibility. According to the license held by the company that owned the helicopter, the pilot was not allowed to fly by cockpit instruments during low visibility, even though the pilot himself had the proper federal certification to do so and was cleared to fly that day. In the beginning of NBA games following Bryant’s death, teams chose to commit 24- and 8-second violations in honor of the fallen player who wore those jersey numbers during his time with the Lakers. To watch the tributes to Bryant and read more about what happened, click here.

Jan. 28, 2020 – President Trump announced his Middle East peace deal to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump also met with Netanyahu’s political opponent, Benny Gantz of the Blue and White party, to discuss the proposed plan, of which Gantz approved. The proposal includes a two-state solution, allowing Israel to keep Jerusalem as its capital, and maintaining the status quo at the Temple Mount. This plan has thus far been supported by 23 nations, seven of which are in the Middle East, with historic approval from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. However, both the Palestinian Authority and Iran have rejected the proposal. To read and watch Trump’s announcement of the Middle East peace deal, click here.

Jan. 30, 2020 – With the help of 160 volunteers, Women United makes 2,500 meals in an hour for local shelters and soup kitchens. The organization, which is part of the United Way of South Hampton Roads, focuses on helping women and children reach their full potential. This particular event, which they call “Stone Soup” after the fable, will be held on Feb. 1. To find out more about “Stone Soup,” click here.

Jan. 31, 2020 – In a 51-49 vote, the Senate has decided to not ask for any additional witnesses or documents for the impeachment trial. Two Republican Senators, Mitt Romney (UT) and Susan Collins (ME), voted with Democrats for additional witnesses and documents. The senators will vote on whether or not to remove President Trump from office next Wednesday, after hearing closing arguments and allowing senators time to speak. Click here to learn more about the reasoning behind the senators’ votes regarding additional witnesses and documents.

Jan. 31, 2020 – Over three years since the British voted to leave the European Union, the time for Brexit has finally come. The UK left the EU at 11 p.m. Brussels time, where the headquarters of the European Union are. Now there will be an 11-month transition period where the UK will continue to follow the EU’s rules as their withdrawal is negotiated. To learn more about the UK leaving the EU, click here.

And the bonus – Guess what the most popular Super Bowl food is in Virginia!